Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKYUMPACK, n. Also skiumpack, skjnmpek, skyumpik., sk(j)umpik, sky(i)mpack; sk(j)umpi. The edge-peat, the outermost peat in each row as peats are cut out of the bank, hence, a large clumsy piece of turf, or peat (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970). [′skjʌmpək]Sh. 1900 Shetland News (19 May):
Pitna a klod bit da skjumpik i' da graeff.Sh. 1916 J. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr (7 Mey):
Da blue clod döesna laek ta coont kin wi da skyumpik.Sh. 1918 T. Manson Peat Comm. 167:
Ye maun notice an keep da skympik bi himsell.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 46. 24:
A great muckle mossy skumpik.Sh. 1964 Folk Life II. 5:
Any wet, oversized, and generally taa-ey (full of tough roots) peats cut during the cleaning of the bank, and usually wedge-shaped, were known as skyumpacks.
